Rod Kemp (Victoria, Liberal Party, Minister for the Arts and Sport) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you very much for the protection you are affording me, Mr Acting Deputy President. As you know, I am one who likes a considered debate and I am somewhat shocked at the abuse which is coming from the other side of the chamber on this important bill. As I said, the minister has indicated that there are robust processes in place for selecting projects and the sort of bias that is alleged cannot happen. Indeed, under this program the government is working hand-in-hand with peak national bodies, parents and primary and secondary school principals to make sure assessments are done as impartially as possible.

I am distressed that Senator Wong, who kept on yelling out ‘Speak about bias in funding’—so I go to a briefing note and I am now tackling that particular issue and answering Senator Wong’s question—is walking around the chamber and showing no interest. This is not a good look, Senator Wong, I regret to say. You are meant to engage in these debates.